Gov. Sanders to attend aerospace and defense trade forum in Paris

Gov. Sarah Sanders said Wednesday (June 14) she would travel to Europe for the Paris Air Show next week in an effort to recruit more aerospace and defense business to Arkansas.

The convention, which is held June 19-25, showcases companies from around the world in the aerospace and defense industries. With these industries contributing heavily to Arkansas’ export business, the state has had a booth at the international air show for nearly two decades. The summit alternates between Paris and London every other year.

“I’m honored to announce that I will be representing Arkansas on my first overseas trade mission to Europe. Alongside Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald and Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Clint O’Neal, I’ll meet with American, British, French, and German business executives to make the case for investing in Arkansas and bringing good-paying jobs to our state,” Sanders said.

“At the Paris Air Show, I’ll convene with leaders in the aerospace industry to discuss Arkansas’ growing contributions to America’s national security and thriving defense industry. My administration is lowering taxes, improving schools, and making our streets safer to help Arkansas become the most business-friendly state in the nation. It’s time for the whole world to learn what Arkansans already know: there’s never been a better time to invest in the Natural State and call it home,” she added.

Sanders’ office said she planned to meet with executives from the following companies: Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Dassault Falcon, Ducommun, Raytheon, Triumph, and others. Arkansas companies that will be represented in the state’s trade booth include: Galley Support Innovations (GSI), AirReady MRO, Blue Gold by Modern Chemical, ORC, Aviation Repair Technologies, and Mundo-Tech.

Arkansas exported about $6 billion of manufactured and agricultural products in 2022. The industries supporting those manufacturing exports employ roughly 26,000 workers.

Governors Mike Beebe and Asa Hutchinson have previously traveled to Europe for this trade show and other trade missions.